Lazio and Juventus sanctioned for fan racism

AP , Associated Press

Mar. 11, 201312:14 PM ET

MILAN (AP) — Lazio has lost its appeal to UEFA over fan racism sanctions and was hit with another fine Monday by the Italian league for supporters targeting the European federation's president Michel Platini with an offensive banner.

Riccardo De Luca

Fiorentina forward Adem Ljajic, of Serbia, left, scores on a free kick during a Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Fiorentina, at Rome's Olympic stadium, Sunday, March 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

Fiorentina forward Adem Ljajic, of Serbia, left, scores on a free kick during a Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Fiorentina, at Rome's Olympic stadium, Sunday, March 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

UEFA rejected Lazio's appeal over its two-match home supporter ban and €40,000 ($52,000) fine handed out last month, which prompted the Roman club's supporters to hold aloft a banner insulting Platini during Sunday's Serie A match with Fiorentina.

Serie A fined Lazio €10,000 ($13,000) for the banner.

Lazio will defend a 2-0 first-leg lead against Stuttgart without any fans at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday in the Europa League.

The Italian league also fined Juventus €4,000 ($5,000) after its supporters targeted AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli with racist chants during a win Sunday over Catania.

MILAN (AP) — Lazio has lost its appeal to UEFA over fan racism sanctions and was hit with another fine Monday by the Italian league for supporters targeting the European federation's president Michel Platini with an offensive banner.